Counterfeit Kit Challenge: Triangles!

                      

Used lots of my favorite papers from my July Counterfeit Kit, "Fresh Start", for this layout!  The challenge was to use triangles on your project. I saw a great cut file featuring triangles in this pattern, so I decided to recreate it using just my paper trimmer and patterned paper!

After arranging and adhering the triangles, I randomly stamped arrows to draw the eye to the right of the layout. I also created my own embellies by trimming a camera from my kraft cardstock and coloring it with Copics. I also used a chalkboard sticker and Polaroid die cut to make my accent.  Agnes provided me with this "Adorable Photo Op"!

You're Cool

Card sketches have been my go-to tool as I try to get back into this whole "creativity" thing. Have you ever thought of sketches as a tool?  They really are. They work as a template, and are a great way to jump-start your creations when blank cardstock seems overwhelming.  

I started with this cute sketch from Cardabilities:

Since the challenge had already passed, I didn't worry about adhering to the sketch.  I just needed a starting place, and for me, that starting place included the layered, square card base and banner shape across the center of the card.  I replaced the leaf diecuts with a tag, used a brad instead of a button, and upcycled a red plastic tag barb to attach my sentiment.  

All supplies for this card (except the barb, which was lying on the counter lol) were from my July Counterfeit Kit, Fresh Start.  

Thanks for popping by today!  Hope to see you playing along with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, too. It's never too late-jump in when you can!

Retro Sketches Challenge

I love sketches, especially when I'm either in a "rut" and need inspiration, or (like today) I'm not feeling super-confident in my cardmaking abilities. LOL

Retro Sketches never fails to have fun, creative sketches posted, along with some fabulous inspiration cards. Although I don't play along with this challenge as often as I should, I have many of the sketches pinned and use them regularly.

This weeks sketch has fun hexagons that I just couldn't resist:

I wanted to use my July Counterfeit Kit, but I didn't have any hexagon embellies or even a hexagon punch. So, I trimmed a hexagon from a different patterned paper to use as my template, traced it into some pretty papers from my kit, and hand-cut the hexes for my card. I adhered the speech bubble print with foam squares to make it pop just a bit. 

So, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. With nothing on my schedule for the day, I plan on busting out the ink pads and playing with my stamps for the first time in...well, too long. :)

Fusion Challenge {Red, White & Blue}

I feel like the new kid on the first day of school. I haven't participated in a challenge or posted a project for months. I'm a little nervous. ;)

Starting out nice and slow, using a fun sketch from the current Fusion Challenge.  Although the challenge is called {Red, White & Blue}, I chose to use just the sketch as my inspiration, along with supplies from my July Counterfeit Kit, Fresh Start. 

Here is the inspiration:

And here is my little project:

I cheated a bit with the sketch, using patterned paper from my kit that already had the "V" printed on it. Creative trimming. ;)  The little "happy" frame is my newest discovery from Jillibean Soup. Super cute!  A random twirling of baker's twine under the matching flower was just what this little card needed. A fun way to get my feet wet again in the papercrafting pool!

Counterfeit Kit for July

Can you believe it-an actual blog post after 11 months!  Life has been super crazy.  Lots of changes.  Some good, some not-so-good...but all of those changes have led to one of my very favorite things in the whole world: a fresh start. :)

That's what I've decided to call my Counterfeit Kit for July: Fresh Start. I feel like my style has changed so much in just the past year, so I can't wait to see what will come out of this kit!  New cards, of course, but also layouts!  Yes, I have been taking actual photos that I can't wait to scrap!  Who knew I would ever feel that MY life was worth documenting?  Yep. It's a fresh start. 

The kit we are counterfeiting this month is the Balboa kit from Noel Mignon.   Here is the inspiration kit in all it's loveliness:

I just adore the colors and fun elements of this kit. I followed it very closely when I created my own kit, starting with my patterned papers because I had some of the exact ones from the inspiration kit.  I haven't included any cardstock in my kit, as I have recently moved and all of my "colors" are still packed away somewhere. LOL. But I do have my basic kraft and white cardstock handy in my drawer to pull as needed.  Here's my Fresh Start kit:

I'm still looking for my tiny alphas, brads, and veneer frames. I know they're packed in a box here somewhere! LOL. When I come across them, I will add those to my kit, too.

Thanks for looking at my take on this month's kit. I've already made 2 cards using it. I'll be back later to share those. Happy Tuesday! :)